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1. Introduction

When Mohammad Nabi walked onto the international cricket field in 2009, he carried the hopes of an entire nation still recovering from decades of conflict. Today, he stands as Afghanistan’s most successful cricketer and one of the world’s premier T20 all-rounders, having played in virtually every major franchise league globally.

Who is Mohammad Nabi? He is an Afghan cricketer, legendary all-rounder, and former captain who has become the face of Afghan cricket worldwide. Known for his powerful hitting, crafty off-spin bowling, and exceptional leadership, Nabi has inspired millions in his homeland and earned respect across the cricketing world.

Why is Mohammad Nabi famous? Nabi is celebrated for being Afghanistan’s first cricket superstar, leading them through their historic rise in international cricket, and establishing himself as one of the most sought-after T20 players globally. His success in the IPL, Big Bash League, CPL, and other franchise tournaments has made him a household name.

In this comprehensive biography, you’ll discover Mohammad Nabi’s inspiring journey from refugee camps in Pakistan to international cricket stardom, his remarkable career statistics, leadership legacy, net worth, lifestyle, and his ongoing impact on Afghan cricket in 2026.

2. Early Life & Background

Mohammad Nabi Eisakhil was born on January 1, 1985, in Logar Province, Afghanistan, during one of the most turbulent periods in the country’s history. Due to the Soviet-Afghan War and subsequent conflicts, his family, like millions of other Afghans, fled to Pakistan as refugees when Nabi was just a young child.

Growing up in Peshawar, Pakistan, Nabi’s childhood was marked by hardship and uncertainty. His family settled in refugee camps where resources were scarce, but cricket became a beacon of hope and normalcy. The dusty streets and makeshift cricket grounds of Peshawar became Nabi’s training ground, where he developed his skills playing tape-ball cricket with other Afghan refugee children.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Nabi’s passion for cricket burned brightly. He was particularly inspired by Pakistani cricket legends like Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq, whose matches he would watch on television whenever possible. His natural talent for both batting and bowling was evident from an early age, and he quickly became known in the local cricket circles.

Nabi received his early cricket training in Peshawar’s Afghan refugee community, where older players and cricket enthusiasts would organize informal coaching sessions. His dedication was extraordinary—he would practice for hours despite having limited equipment and facilities. The experience of growing up in exile fueled his determination to succeed and represent Afghanistan on the world stage.

When Afghanistan Cricket Board was officially formed in 1995, opportunities for structured cricket began to emerge. Nabi eventually joined the Afghan Cricket Academy, where his skills were honed under proper coaching. His school cricket achievements, though limited by the lack of formal cricket infrastructure, were impressive enough to catch the attention of selectors building Afghanistan’s national team.

3. Family Details

Mohammad Nabi has always maintained privacy regarding his family life, keeping his wife and children away from the public eye. This is consistent with cultural norms and his desire to protect his loved ones from media scrutiny.

4. Education Background

School: Mohammad Nabi attended a local school in Peshawar, Pakistan, during his refugee years. Due to the family’s financial constraints and the uncertainty of refugee life, his formal education was limited.

College/University: Nabi did not pursue higher education, as his focus shifted entirely to cricket from his teenage years. The lack of educational opportunities for Afghan refugees in Pakistan also played a role in this decision.

Cricket Academy: Afghan Cricket Academy (after its establishment), where he received formal cricket training

Degrees: No formal degrees

Balancing Education and Cricket: For Nabi, cricket became both his education and his path to a better life. While he missed out on formal academic education, his cricket journey taught him invaluable life lessons, discipline, leadership, and global exposure that traditional education might not have provided under his circumstances.

5. Cricket Career Journey

A. Domestic / Club Career

Mohammad Nabi’s domestic career began in the Afghan cricket system that was rapidly developing in the early 2000s. He played for various regional teams in Afghanistan’s domestic structure, quickly establishing himself as the country’s premier all-rounder.

In Afghanistan’s domestic leagues, including the Shpageeza Cricket League (Afghanistan’s premier T20 competition), Nabi represented teams like Mis Ainak Knights, Kabul Zwanan, and Band-e-Amir Dragons. His performances were consistently match-winning, with both bat and ball, making him the most valuable player in Afghan domestic cricket.

His breakthrough moment came when he was selected for Afghanistan’s national squad in their pursuit of ICC recognition. His all-round abilities—powerful middle-order batting combined with economical off-spin bowling—made him indispensable to the team’s success.

B. International Career

ODI Debut: Mohammad Nabi made his One Day International debut on April 19, 2009, against Scotland in Benoni, South Africa, during the ICC World Cricket League Division One. This marked the beginning of Afghanistan’s journey in international cricket, and Nabi was at the forefront of this historic moment.

T20I Debut: His Twenty20 International debut came on February 1, 2010, against Ireland in the ICC T20 World Cup Qualifier in the UAE. Nabi’s impact was immediate, and he quickly became Afghanistan’s most reliable performer in the shortest format.

Test Career: Interestingly, despite his illustrious limited-overs career, Mohammad Nabi has never played Test cricket. Afghanistan gained Test status in 2017, but Nabi has focused primarily on limited-overs formats where his skills are most effective.

Captaincy Journey: Nabi’s leadership qualities were recognized early, and he served as Afghanistan’s ODI and T20I captain at various points between 2013 and 2021. Under his captaincy, Afghanistan achieved several historic victories, including memorable wins against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and West Indies. His calm demeanor and tactical acumen made him a respected leader, though he eventually stepped down to focus on his playing role and allow younger leaders like Rashid Khan to take charge.

Major Series Performances:

• Asia Cup 2018: Nabi played crucial innings against stronger teams, showcasing Afghanistan’s growth
• ICC T20 World Cups: Consistent performer across multiple editions (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2024)
• Bilateral Series: Match-winning performances against Ireland, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, and associate nations

World Cup Appearances:

• 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup: Afghanistan’s maiden World Cup appearance
• 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup: Valuable contributions despite tough competition
• 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup: Experienced campaigner in India
• Multiple T20 World Cups: Key player in all Afghan T20 World Cup campaigns

Milestone Matches:

• First Afghan cricketer to take 100 ODI wickets
• One of the first Afghans to score 1,000 ODI runs
• Played his 100th T20I in 2021, a testament to his longevity

C. IPL / Franchise Cricket

Mohammad Nabi’s franchise cricket career has been extraordinary, making him one of the most traveled cricketers in the world.

IPL Career:

• Sunrisers Hyderabad (2017-2021): Nabi was signed by SRH for ₹30 lakh in 2017. Though he didn’t feature in many matches due to the team’s overseas player balance, his presence added valuable experience. He played memorably in the 2017 and 2018 seasons, contributing with both bat and ball.
• Kolkata Knight Riders (2022-2023): Picked up by KKR, though his opportunities were again limited due to team composition

IPL Auction Prices:

• 2017: ₹30 lakh (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
• 2022: ₹1 crore (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Big Bash League:

• Melbourne Renegades: Consistent performer with memorable match-winning innings
• Hobart Hurricanes: Continued his BBL success

Caribbean Premier League:

• St Lucia Kings, Trinbago Knight Riders: Match-winning performances

Pakistan Super League:

• Quetta Gladiators, Islamabad United: Despite political tensions, Nabi’s cricket transcended boundaries

Other Leagues:

• The Hundred: London Spirit
• Abu Dhabi T10: Multiple seasons
• Bangladesh Premier League: Comilla Victorians, Rangpur Riders
• SA20: Durban’s Super Giants

Memorable Franchise Performances:

• Multiple match-winning innings in BBL
• Crucial all-round performances in CPL
• Game-changing spells in various T20 leagues worldwide

6. Career Timeline Chart

📅 CAREER TIMELINE

2009 ─── ODI Debut vs Scotland (April 19)
   │
2010 ─── T20I Debut vs Ireland (February 1)
   │
2013 ─── First ODI century (vs Zimbabwe)
   │
2015 ─── ICC Cricket World Cup debut
   │
2016 ─── Appointed Afghanistan captain
   │
2017 ─── IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad
   │
2018 ─── 100th T20I appearance
   │
2019 ─── ICC Cricket World Cup in England
   │
2021 ─── Stepped down as Afghanistan captain
   │
2023 ─── ICC Cricket World Cup in India
   │
2026 ─── Continues as Afghanistan's senior all-rounder

7. Career Statistics

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats

Note: Statistics are approximate as of early 2026 and subject to updates as Mohammad Nabi continues his playing career.

8. Player Comparison Section

📊 Mohammad Nabi vs Shakib Al Hasan Comparison

Winner: While Shakib Al Hasan has superior overall numbers and Test cricket success, Mohammad Nabi’s impact cannot be measured by statistics alone. As Afghanistan’s pioneer and most successful cricketer, Nabi’s legacy includes building cricket in a war-torn nation, inspiring millions, and achieving remarkable franchise cricket success despite starting his international career at 24. In T20 cricket specifically, Nabi’s strike rate and match-winning abilities put him on par with the best all-rounders globally.

9. Playing Style Analysis

Batting Technique: Mohammad Nabi is a powerful middle-order batsman known for his clean hitting and ability to accelerate in the death overs. His batting style is aggressive yet calculated, with a particular strength in playing spin bowling.

Signature Shots:

• Powerful straight drives: Nabi’s ability to hit through the line is exceptional
• Slog sweep: One of his most productive shots against spinners
• Inside-out shots: Over extra cover against off-spinners
• Pull shots: Effective against short-pitched bowling

Bowling Style: As a right-arm off-break bowler, Nabi relies on variations, accuracy, and reading the game rather than sharp turn. His bowling is characterized by:

• Tight lines and lengths in the powerplay and middle overs
• Clever use of pace variations
• Ability to bowl in all phases of limited-overs cricket
• Economical bowling that builds pressure

Fielding Abilities: Nabi is a safe fielder with a strong arm, usually positioned in the deep or at mid-wicket. While not the most athletic, his anticipation and game awareness make him reliable.

Strengths:

• Exceptional death-overs batting
• Economical bowling in middle overs
• Cool temperament under pressure
• Vast experience in global T20 leagues
• Match-awareness and smart cricket

Weaknesses:

• Average against express pace early in innings
• Limited footwork against quality swing bowling
• Age catching up with fielding athleticism
• Bowling less effective on spin-friendly pitches where sharp turn is needed

Expert Opinions: Former Afghanistan coach Lalchand Rajput praised Nabi as “the heartbeat of Afghan cricket,” while IPL commentators have noted his “ice-cool temperament” and ability to change games with both bat and ball.

10. Achievements & Awards

International Awards:

• ICC Awards: Multiple nominations for ICC Men’s Associate and Affiliate Player of the Year
• Player of the Match: Numerous awards in ODIs and T20Is
• Player of the Series: Several bilateral series awards

National Honors:

• Afghanistan Cricket Board Recognition: Honored multiple times for contribution to Afghan cricket
• National Hero Status: Regarded as one of Afghanistan’s greatest sporting icons

Records Held:

• First Afghan to score an ODI century (vs Zimbabwe, 2013)
• Most ODI wickets for Afghanistan (among all-rounders)
• Most T20I appearances for Afghanistan (among the leaders)
• First Afghan player to play in multiple global T20 leagues

IPL & Franchise Awards:

• Multiple Man of the Match awards across BBL, CPL, and other leagues
• Consistent performer earning respect in every league he’s played

Legacy Achievement:

• Building Afghan Cricket: Perhaps his greatest achievement is being the face of Afghanistan’s remarkable cricket journey from associate nation to Test-playing country

11. Net Worth & Earnings

💰 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Income Sources:

Afghanistan Cricket Contract: $100,000-150,000 annually (approximate)

IPL Salary: ₹1-2 Crore (when contracted)

Global T20 Leagues: $500,000-1,000,000 annually (combined from BBL, CPL, PSL, BPL, The Hundred, etc.)

Endorsements: $200,000-500,000 annually

• Afghan telecommunication companies
• Sports brands
• Regional product endorsements

Business Ventures: Real estate investments in Afghanistan and UAE

Brand Endorsements:

• Roshan (Afghan Telecom)
• Sports equipment brands
• Regional food and beverage companies
• Cricket academies endorsements

Mohammad Nabi’s net worth primarily comes from his extensive franchise cricket career spanning over a decade across 10+ global leagues. Unlike many cricketers, he doesn’t have massive brand endorsement deals but has earned consistently through playing contracts worldwide.

12. Lifestyle Section

🏠 ASSETS & LIFESTYLE

Properties:

House 1: Luxury residence in Kabul, Afghanistan (Value: Estimated $500,000-800,000)

• Family home supporting extended family
• Symbol of his success and commitment to Afghanistan

House 2: Apartment in Dubai, UAE (Value: Estimated $300,000-500,000)

• Used during off-season and training
• Investment property

Cars Collection:

Car 1: Toyota Land Cruiser V8 (Price: ~$80,000)

• Popular choice in Afghanistan for safety and reliability

Car 2: Mercedes-Benz (Model undisclosed) (Price: ~$100,000)

• Luxury vehicle for special occasions

Note: Nabi keeps a relatively modest lifestyle compared to many international cricketers, reflecting both cultural values and his humble beginnings.

Hobbies:

• Family time: Spending quality time with wife and children
• Mentoring young cricketers: Involved in developing Afghan cricket talent
• Charitable work: Supporting refugee communities
• Religious activities: Devout Muslim who prioritizes faith

Diet & Fitness:

Workout Routine:

• Cardiovascular training 4-5 times weekly
• Strength training focused on core and legs
• Cricket-specific drills
• Yoga and stretching for flexibility (learned during IPL)
• Regular gym sessions during league seasons

Diet Preferences:

• Traditional Afghan cuisine (kabuli pulao, mantu)
• High-protein diet during cricket season
• Balanced carbohydrates for energy
• Hydration-focused regimen
• Occasional traditional Afghan sweets

Despite being over 40, Nabi maintains impressive fitness levels through disciplined training and diet, allowing him to compete at the highest level.

13. Physical Appearance

Mohammad Nabi maintains a strong, athletic physique despite his age. His distinctive beard and serious on-field demeanor have made him easily recognizable across global cricket circuits.

14. Coaches & Mentors

Childhood Coach: Local cricket enthusiasts in Peshawar refugee camps who first taught him the game

Academy Coach: Coaches at Afghan Cricket Academy who refined his skills

Current Coach: Works with Afghanistan’s national coaching staff, including former players and international coaches

Mentors Who Shaped Career:

• Kabir Khan: Former Afghanistan coach who believed in Nabi’s potential
• Inzamam-ul-Haq: Childhood idol whose playing style influenced Nabi
• Senior Pakistan cricketers: Learned from watching and occasionally training with Pakistani stars during his time in Peshawar

Training Philosophy: Nabi believes in consistent hard work, mental toughness, and never forgetting one’s roots. His refugee camp upbringing taught him resilience that he applies to cricket and life.

15. Jersey Number History

Nabi often prefers jersey numbers 10 and 99, with 10 being his most iconic number representing his status in Afghan cricket.

16. Controversies & Challenges

Mohammad Nabi has maintained a remarkably clean image throughout his career, avoiding major controversies. However, he has faced challenges:

On-field Incidents:

• Heated exchanges: Occasional on-field arguments, typical in competitive cricket, but nothing major
• Controversial dismissals: Like all players, faced contentious umpiring decisions

Off-field Controversies:

• Captaincy resignation (2021): Stepped down as Afghanistan captain citing team management issues, though handled diplomatically
• Political situation: As an Afghan cricketer, constantly navigates complex political situations affecting Afghan cricket
• Taliban regime: The return of Taliban rule in Afghanistan (2021) created uncertainty for Afghan cricket, with Nabi advocating for women’s cricket rights while balancing national representation

How They Overcame Challenges:

Nabi handled challenges with maturity, focusing on cricket rather than politics. His diplomatic approach and commitment to representing Afghanistan positively helped navigate difficult situations. Rather than creating conflicts, he became a bridge-builder.

Public Response & Lessons Learned:

Fans worldwide respect Nabi’s dignity and professionalism. His lesson: “Let your cricket do the talking” has been his mantra, keeping him away from unnecessary controversies while maintaining his principles.

17. Charity & Philanthropy

Foundations Started: While Nabi hasn’t started a formal foundation with his name, he works closely with various Afghan cricket development programs.

Causes Supported:

• Afghan refugee support: Having been a refugee himself, Nabi supports refugee communities
• Cricket development in Afghanistan: Invests time and resources in developing young Afghan cricketers
• Education initiatives: Supports educational programs for Afghan children
• Disaster relief: Contributed during Afghanistan’s earthquakes and natural disasters

Major Donations & Initiatives:

• Donated portions of match fees to Afghan cricket development
• Provided cricket equipment to underprivileged Afghan youth
• Supported reconstruction efforts in war-affected Afghan regions
• Mentoring programs for young Afghan cricketers

Nabi prefers to keep his charitable work private, consistent with Islamic principles of discrete charity.

18. Personal Interests

Nabi maintains traditional Afghan cultural preferences while embracing global influences from his extensive travel.

19. Social Media Presence

Nabi is active on social media, regularly posting about matches, training, and occasionally personal moments. He uses his platform to inspire young cricketers and promote Afghan cricket. His posts often receive thousands of likes and comments from fans worldwide, particularly from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and cricket-loving nations.

Brand & Sponsor Links:

• Afghanistan Cricket Board Official
• International Cricket Council

20. Recent News & Updates (2025-2026)

Latest Match Performances (2025-2026):

• Continues to be a vital member of Afghanistan’s T20I squad
• Playing in various T20 leagues globally during the off-season
• Mentoring younger players like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and others

Records & Achievements:

• Approaching 200 international matches for Afghanistan
• Remains one of Afghanistan’s top all-rounders despite his age
• Continues to be selected for major T20 leagues

Current Team & Role:

• Afghanistan National Team: Senior all-rounder and mentor
• Franchise Cricket: Available for various T20 leagues
• Role: Finisher with the bat, economical spin bowler, and leadership figure

Upcoming Series (2026):

• ICC T20 World Cup 2026 preparations
• Bilateral series against various nations
• Continued franchise cricket commitments

Interviews & Media Appearances:

• Regular cricket analysis appearances on Afghan sports channels
• Interviews discussing Afghanistan cricket’s future
• Motivational talks for young cricketers

Injury Updates:

• Remarkably injury-free throughout career
• Maintaining fitness at 41 years old
• No current injury concerns reported

21. Lesser-Known Facts

1. Refugee Background: Nabi spent much of his childhood in refugee camps in Pakistan, where cricket became his escape and eventually his career.
2. Late Bloomer: Made his international debut at age 24, relatively late compared to most modern cricketers, showing that persistence pays off.
3. Multi-lingual: Speaks Pashto, Dari, Urdu, and basic English, reflecting his diverse background and global career.
4. First Afghan IPL Player: Among the first Afghan cricketers to be picked in the IPL auction (along with Rashid Khan).
5. Global Nomad: Has played professional cricket on six continents, one of the most traveled cricketers in history.
6. Religious Dedication: Never misses prayers even during matches, often seen praying between innings.
7. Family-Oriented: Despite global fame, remains deeply connected to Afghan cultural values and family traditions.
8. Beard Significance: His distinctive beard is both a religious and cultural statement, making him instantly recognizable.
9. Mentorship Role: Personally mentored several young Afghan cricketers who’ve gone on to international success.
10. No Test Cricket: Despite his success, never played Test cricket, focusing entirely on limited-overs formats where Afghanistan has been most competitive.
11. Auction Strategy: Often goes for modest prices in IPL auctions despite his abilities, as teams prefer younger overseas players.
12. Community Icon: In Afghan communities worldwide, Nabi is seen as a symbol of resilience and success against all odds.
13. Franchise Loyalty: Known for being a team player in franchise cricket, never causing dressing room issues despite limited playing opportunities.
14. Fitness Freak: Maintains exceptional fitness levels for his age through disciplined training and diet.
15. Silent Strength: Known for his calm, composed demeanor—rarely celebrates wildly or shows excessive emotion on field.

22. FAQs

Q1: Who is Mohammad Nabi?

A: Mohammad Nabi is a legendary Afghan cricketer and all-rounder who has represented Afghanistan in international cricket since 2009. He is considered the pioneer and most successful Afghan cricketer, known for his powerful batting, economical off-spin bowling, and leadership that helped Afghanistan rise from associate nation to Test-playing status.

Q2: What is Mohammad Nabi’s net worth in 2025?

A: Mohammad Nabi’s estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately $8-10 million USD, earned primarily through his extensive franchise cricket career across global T20 leagues, Afghanistan cricket contracts, and endorsements.

Q3: How did Mohammad Nabi start his cricket career?

A: Nabi started playing cricket in refugee camps in Peshawar, Pakistan, where his family fled during Afghanistan’s conflicts. He learned tape-ball cricket on dusty streets before joining the Afghan Cricket Academy and eventually making his international debut for Afghanistan in 2009 against Scotland.

Q4: Is Mohammad Nabi married?

A: Yes, Mohammad Nabi is married and has children, though he keeps his family life very private and rarely shares details publicly, consistent with his cultural values.

Q5: What records does Mohammad Nabi hold?

A: Nabi holds several Afghan cricket records including:

• First Afghan to score an ODI century
• Most ODI wickets among Afghan all-rounders (155+)
• One of the most-capped T20I players for Afghanistan (120+ matches)
• First Afghan to play in multiple global T20 leagues

Q6: Which IPL team does Mohammad Nabi play for?

A: Nabi last played for Kolkata Knight Riders (2022-2023) in the IPL. Previously, he represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (2017-2021). As of 2026, he may be available for IPL auction or playing in other global T20 leagues.

Q7: What is Mohammad Nabi’s highest score?

A: Mohammad Nabi’s highest ODI score is 116 against Zimbabwe, which was also the first century by an Afghan batsman in ODI cricket. His highest T20I score is 89 (not out).

Q8: How many centuries has Mohammad Nabi scored?

A: Mohammad Nabi has scored 3 ODI centuries and 0 T20I centuries (though several fifties in both formats). His batting style focuses on finishing innings and accelerating rather than building long innings.

23. Conclusion

Mohammad Nabi’s journey from refugee camps in Peshawar to becoming Afghanistan’s greatest cricketing icon is nothing short of extraordinary. At 41 years old in 2026, he continues to inspire millions, not just through his cricket but through his resilience, dignity, and unwavering commitment to representing his nation.

Career Summary: With over 160 ODIs, 120+ T20Is, 3,500+ ODI runs, 155+ ODI wickets, and a career spanning across 10+ global T20 leagues, Nabi’s statistics tell only part of his story. His true legacy lies in building Afghan cricket from obscurity to international recognition, captaining his nation through historic victories, and becoming a global T20 star despite starting his international career at 24.

Legacy & Impact: Nabi’s impact transcends cricket. He represents hope for millions of Afghans worldwide, proving that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle. Young cricketers like Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Fazalhaq Farooqi all credit Nabi as their inspiration and mentor.

Future Predictions: While age is catching up, Nabi shows no signs of retiring imminently. He’s likely to continue playing T20 cricket for another 1-2 years, focusing on franchise leagues and mentoring the next generation. His post-cricket career will likely involve coaching and developing Afghan cricket infrastructure.

Final Thoughts: Mohammad Nabi is more than a cricketer—he’s a symbol of Afghan resilience, a bridge between cultures, and a testament to the unifying power of sport. His story deserves to be celebrated not just in cricket circles but as one of sport’s most inspiring tales of triumph against adversity.

What’s your favorite Mohammad Nabi moment? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out our articles on other Afghan cricket stars like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Follow us for more cricket content!

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